Electrical switch



N'ov. 24, 1942.

o. FROLAND 2,303,119

'ELECTRICAL SWITCH Filed Aug. 29, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 L rv-v- ATTORNEY 3 Sheets-Sheet 2- c wl www3 mv E A m wm Amm N A n .0 .mmm

NOV. 24,1942. A o. FRQLAND ELECTRICAL SWITCH` Filed Allg. 29, 1941 /NmfwrO/e OLA V F1901 A/Yo A 7' Toe/v5 V BYKW Nov. 24, 1942. o. FROLAND ELECTRICAL SWITCH Filed Aug. 29, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet .'5

Patented Nov. 24, 1942 lvJNrrD. STATES. "PATENT" OFFICE* zsoaus v2 e e ELECTRICAL `SWI'ICII vOlav Frola-nd, St. Louis, Mo., aligner to James B. Kearney Corporation, St. indigno., a cor-V porgtion ofrllissouri apuestan za 194,1. serai Neuman s claims. (ci. zon-4s) This invention relates generally to electrical switches and more specifically to heavy duty electrical switches of the rotatinginsulator type, the predominant ,object of the invention being to provide an electrical switch of this type which, because of its improved construction and arrangement, is capable of performing itsintended function in an improvedrand highly emcient Fig Fig

an enlarged cross-section taken on line -5 fFg. 2.

- rig s is a view similar to Fig. s but showing of the switch in moved positions.A Figs? is a fragmentary sectional detail illustrating the manner of supporting the switch blade of theswitch for rotary movement.

Fig. 8 is a cross-section taken on line 8-8 of In the drawings wherein is shown for the purpose of illustration, merely, one embodiment of the invention, A designates the improved switch generally.' The switch A includes a base struc.- ture I which is adapted to be supported by sultable supporting means (not shown) to locate the switch in a desired position for use.

Secured to the base structure I and extended upwardly therefrom is a supporting member 2 which supports a stationary insulator 3. 'I'he insulator 3 has xed thereto at its top a member 4 which at its forward end is provided with a horizontal wall 4a through which suitable fastening devices 5 are extended for`the-purpose of securing the member 4 to the insulator 3.4 The'member 4 is provided with spaced side walls i which project upwardly from the horizontal wall 4a and extend horizontally in a rearward direction, said member 4 at a point adjacent to its rear'end being provided with a solid, top wall portion 1, as shown to the best advantage in Fig. 2. Extending transversely of the member 4 from one to the other side wall thereof is a pair of transverse walls 8 which aid in importing the required structural strength to said member 4. At

its extreme rear end the member 4 is provided 4 with a downwardly curved portionr'! and the 55 side portions and the straight, forward portion.

side wang of said member` 4 are Joined at their rear ends by a horizontally disposed wall 9'.

' Supported by the base structure I of the switch A is a 'bearing member I0 and disposed vertically 5 and extended through said bearing member III is a rotary spindle I I, said bearing member preferably, having arranged therein a suitable ball bearing assembly (not shown) which provides for free rotation of the spindle II with respect to 10 the bearing member I0. The spindle at its lower end extends downwardly beyond the bearing member III and said exposed lower end portion of the spindle is adapted to have secured thereto suitable operating means (not shown) which may l5 be actuated to rotate the spindle II; At the upper end of the spindle II a connecting -member I2 is secured thereto or formed thereon, said connecting member rotating with said spindle when it is subjected to rotary movement.

zo Mounted on and secured to the connecting member I2 by means of fastening elements I3 is an insulator I4 which rotates with the spindle II and the connecting member I2, and extended upwardly from the upper end of the insulator I4 is a spindle I5 (Fig. 3) which passes through a bearing memberIB that forms a part of the solid top wall portion 'I of the member 4. The spindle I5 is provided with a lower portion that includes a plate I5a and the spindle is secured to the insulator I4 by fastening devices I1 which pass through openings formed through the plate I5a and are seated in openings formed in the insulator. The bearing member is provided with a shoulder I6 which supports a ball bearing assembly I8, said ball bearing assembly contacting' also with an annular raised portion I5' formed on the spindle I5. The ball bearing assembly I8 is maintained in position by an annular flange I9 of a member 20, said member 20 being mounted on and pinned to a screwthreaded portion 2I of cular in shape, as shown in Fig. 2, and this noncircular spindle portion has clamped, or `otherwise secured thereto. an arm 22.

Pivoted tothe forward portion of the member 4 is an arm structure 23 which, when viewed in plan as shown in Fig. 2, is of substantially U- shaped formation, in other words the arm structure 23 includes parallel side portions 23a, a straight, forward portion 23h of 'increased thickness. and inclined portions 23e which loin the As shown in Fig.'2forward portions 24 of the spaced side walls oi. the member 4 are offset inwardly relative to adjacent portions of said spaced, side walls of said member 4, and rearwardly located portions Aof the side portions 23a of the arm structure 23 are arranged in outward, overlapping relation with respect to said offset portions 24 of the member 4. The side portions 23a of the arm structure 23 andthe offset portions 24 of the member 4 are provided with related, contacting boss portions, and a pivot pin 25 is extended through openings formed through said side portions of the arm structure and said offset portions of the member 4 so as to pivotally attach said arm structure 23 to said member 4. Also the arm structure 23 includes a transverse wall 26 which extends from one side portion to the other thereof as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

Supported by the arm structure 23 is a switch blade 21 which is in the form of an elongated, tubular element, the forward portion of' said tubular element being flattened as shown at 28 in Figs. 1, 2, 5, and 6. The tubular element which provides the switch blade 21 is supported in openings formed through the front portion 23h and the transverse wall 26 of the arm structure 23 in a manner to permit of rotary movement of. said switch blade relative to said arm structure. Also, the portion of the switch blade 21 which is located between the forward portion 23h and the transverse wall 26 of the arm structure has mounted thereon a sleeve 29, said sleeve at its forward end abutting against the inner face of the forward portion 23D of the arm structure and at its rear end abutting against the forward face of a boss 26' formed on the transverse wall 26 of said arm structure. 'I'he sleeve 29 is rigidly secured to the switch blade 21 through the instrumentality of a pin 30, and because of this fact and due to the interposition of the sleeve between parts of the arm structure 23 as described above, the switch blade may not move longitudinally of its axis with -respect to said arm structure. A

Disposed immediately above the rear portion of the arm structure 23 and the forward portion of the member 4 is a connecting mmeber 3| which comprises an elongated barl 32 which supports at its forward end a pair of spaced plates 33. 'I'he bar 32 and the spaced plates 33 ofthe connecting member 3| are preferably formed integral with each other, and because the bar 32 is narrower than the space between the inner faces of the spaced plates 33 opposed webs 34 extend from the opposite side faces of the bar to said inner faces of the spaced plates, one of said webs being shown in each of Figs. 3 and 6.

The connecting member 3| is supported by a pair of links 35 and a pair of links 36, the elongated bar 32 of said connecting member 3| being disposed between the upper ends of the links of said pairs oflinks. The links 35 are pivotally connected at their upper ends to the bar 32 of the connecting member 3| by a pivot pin 31 which passes through apertures formed through the upper end portions of the links and through the bar 32, and at their lower ends said links 35 are provided with hub portions 35' through which the previously mentioned pivot pin 25 extends, said hub portions of said links 35 being rotatable with respect to saidpivot pin 25 and the outer end faces of said hub portions being transversely extended portion 39 which extends outwardlyfrom the opposite side faces of said bar, and this portion 39 is disposed between the upper end portions of the links 36, there being a pivot pin39 which is disposed in alined openings formedv through the portion 36 and the upper end portions of the links 36 for pivotally connecting the upper portions'of the links and the connecting member 3l. The lower end portions lof .the links 36 are provided with hub portions, and said lower end portions of said links are disposed between parts of the side walls of the member 4 and extensions 40 (Fig. 2) that are projected inwardly and rearwardly from the oil.'- set portions 24 of said member 4, said extensions 40 including upwardly projected portions 40 (Fig. 3) which provide bearing portions for the inner end portions of pivot pins 4| that are supported at their outer ends in bearing openings formed in the side walls of the member 4 and which pivotally support the lower portions of the links 36.

Disposed between the spaced plates 33 of the connecting member 3| is an element 42 which is pivoted to said spaced plates by a horizontal pivot pin 43. The element 42 has pivoted thereto also the forward end portion of a rod 44, a vertically disposed pivot pin 45 being employed to effect pivotal connection between the forward, bifurcated end portion of said rod 44 and the element 42. The rear end portion of the rod 44 ls likewise bifurcated and this end portion of said rod is pivotally connected to an element 46 through the instrumentality of a horizontal pivot pin 41, and said element 46 is supported for rotary movement about a vertical pin 48 which is xedly supported by the forward portion of the arm 22.

The wall 26 of the arm structure 23 has formed thereon a. pair of forwardly extended ears 49 to which are pivotally attached by means of pivot pins 5U a member '5|. 'I'he member 5| inl cludes an upper portion 52 which is disposed bein contact with portions of the offset portions 24 of the member 4. The rear end of the bar 32 of the connecting member 3| is providedwith a tween forward portions of the spaced plates 33 of the connecting member 3| and which is pivoted to said spaced plates by a pivot pin 53, and

said member 5| includes a bifurcated, lower poropenings formed through the spaced legs of said member 5|. One of the spaced legs of the bifurcatedportion of the member 5| is provided with an inwardly projected extension 55, and y extended forwardly from said extension 55 is a rod 55. The rod 56 extends between spaced apart prongs 29' formed on the previously mentioned sleeve 29 which is fixed to the switch blade 21 as shown to good advantage in Figs. 3, 4, and 6. In' order to make gcod electrical connection between the switch blade 21 and the member 4 a plurality of fiat, exible cables 51 are secured to the wall of the switch blade and to an integral, upstanding extension 58 formed on the horizontal wall 4a of said member 4, the forward portions of the cables 51 being secured to the wall of the switch blade by a pair of bolts 59 and a plate 60, as shown in Fig. '7, and the rear portions of said cables being secured to the extension 58 of the member 4 by a bolt 6|.

Secured to the base structure of the improved switch at the forward end thereof is a supporting member 62 which has iixed thereto and supports an insulator 63. Secured to the upper end of the insulator 63 by fastening devices 64' is a plate 64 which has formed thereon opposed, upstanding extensions 65 (Fig. 5). The extensions 65 support a pair of opposed contact structures 66, each of which comprises a plurality of heavy wires or rods, possessed of resiliency, which are suitably anchored at their lower ends in openings formed in the extensions 65 and extend upwardly from said extensions to their upper ends where they are bent inwardly and are extended downwardly as shown in Fig. 5. The downwardly extended portions 66' of the wires or rods of the contacts 66, which are free at their lower ends, are spaced inwardly from the associated outer, upwardly extended portions of said wires or rods of the contacts, and said portions 66' of said contacts 66 are spaced from each other a distance slightly less than the width of the attened portion 28 of the switch blade 21. Secured to the plate 64 is an arcing horn structure 61 which comprises a horizontal loop portion 68 through which a bolt 69 is extended for fastening the arcing horn structure to the plate 64, and spaced, upstanding portions which are ared at their upper ends. Also the switch blade 21 has xed to its forward end an arcing rod 1| which is adapted to move between the spaced portions 10 of the arcing horn structure on movement of the forward portion of the switch blade 21 into and out of contact relation with respect to the opposed contacts 66.

The horizontal wall 9 of the member 4 has secured thereto, by means of fastening devices 12, a suitable clamp structure 13 which electrically engages a conductor 14 that forms a part of the circuit with which the switch A is electrically associated. Also the plate 64 at the opposite end of the switch A has xed thereto by means of fastening devices 15 a similar clamp structure 16 which electrically engages a conductor 11 that likewise forms a part of .the circuit with which the switch A is electrically associated.

In explaining the operation of the improved switch disclosed herein it will be assumed that the switch is in the closed position, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, and that it is desired to operate the switch to cause the switch arm 21 thereof to move to the openswitch position, as shown in Fig. 6. Such operation of the switch is accompLshed by rotation of the spindle I I'through the use of the operating means which is -associated with said spindle but which is not shown in the drawings. Rotation of the spindle imparts like rotation to the assembly of parts which includes the supporting member I2, the insulator I4 and the spindle l5, and rotation of the spindle |5 causes the arm 22 to swing in an arc of a circle as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 2. As the outer end of the arm 22 moves through its arcuate path the pin 48 xed thereto Vrotates within the member 46 and as the outer end of said arm 22 starts its rearward movement the rear end portion of the rod 44 moves outwardly and rearwardly with the outer end portion of said arm 22, the pivotal connections provided by the pins 48 swinging on their pivots as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 3, to move the connecting member 3| rearwardly in a substantially horizontal position. Such rearward movement of the connecte ing member 3| carries the upper portipn of the member 5| rearwardly to rotate said vmember about its pivot 50 with the result that the rod 56 of said member 5| will be moved upwardly in contact with the uppermost of the prongs 2S" of the sleeve 29 to rotate the switch blade 21.

Rotation of the switch blade 29 moves the ilattened portion 28 of said switch blade from the horizontal position in which-said flattened portion is shown by full lines in Fig. 5 to the dotted line position of said flattened portion of the switch blade as shown by dotted lines in Fig 5, in which position the opposed edge of said flattened switch blade portion are out of .contact with the portions 66' of the contacts 66. Continued rearward, arcuate movement of the arm 22 causes the connecting member 3l to assumeconstantly changing angular positions because of the linkage provided by the links 35 and 36, with the result that the outerend of the switch blade 21 will be raised until the connecting member 3| and the links 35 and 36 reach their nal positions as shown in Fig. 6 Where theswitch blade is disposed in a vertical position.

When the switch is being operated to move the switch blade from the open position shown in Fig. 6 to the closed position shown in Fig..1,

the operation just described is reversed; that is and 45 at opposite ends of the rod 44 permitting to say outer end of the arm 22 is moved forwardly in an arc of a circle to lower the outer end of the switch blade 21 through controlling operation of the assembly made up of the conl.

blade is positioned as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 5, and the final forward movement of the arm 22 causes the connecting member 3| to move forwardly a slight distance in a substantially horizontal position during which movement the member 5| is rotated on itspivot 5l to impart such rotary movement to the switch blade, through contact of the rod 56 ofsaid member 5| with the lowermost of the prongs 23', as will move the opposite edges of the attened portion' 28 of the switch blade into rm contact with the portions 66' of the contacts 66.

1. A switch mechanism comprising a supporting member, an arm structure pivotally connected to said supporting member for swinging movement, an elongated switch blade supported by said arm structure for rotary movement about the axis of said switch blade, opposed contacts between which a portion of said switch blade is adapted for disposition with parts of said switch blade portion in contact with said opposed contacts, and means operable during a single continuous operation thereof to rotate said* switch blade to move said parts of said switch blade portion out of contact with said opposed contacts and to swing said arm structure on its pivot to move said switch blade away from said opposed contacts, said means comprising a connecting member pivotally attached to said supporting member, mechanism for subjecting said connecting member to pivotal movement, and an element pivotally supported by said arm structure and pivotally connected to said connecting member, said pivotally supported element including a portion extended between spaced prongswhich are flxedly associated with said switch blade and adapted to engage said prongs to subject said switch blade to rotary movement onpivotal actuation of said pivotally supported element.

2. A switch mechanism comprising a supporting member, an arm structure pivotally connected to said supporting member for swinging movement, an elongated switch blade supported bysaid arm structure for rotary movement about the axis of said switch blade, opposed contacts between which a portion of said switch blade is adapted for disposition with parts of said switch blade portion in contact with said opposed contacts, and means operable during a single continuous operation thereof to rotate said switch blade to move said parts of said switch blade portion out of contact with said opposed contacts and to swing said arm structure on its pivot to move said switch b lade away from said opposed contacts, said means including a connecting-member, link means for movably attaching said connecting member to said supporting member, mechanism for subjecting said connecting member to movement, and a pivoted element connected to said connecting member and actuated by movement thereof to rotate said switch blade.

3. A switch mechanism comprising a support-v ing member,I an arm structure pivotally connected to said supporting memberfor swinging movement, an elongated switch blade supported by said arm structure for rotary movement about Y the axis of said switch blade, opposed contacts between which a portion of said switch blade is adapted for disposition with parts of said switch n blade portion in contact with said opposed contacts, and means operable during a single continuous operation thereof to rotate said switch blade to move said parts of said switch-blade portion out of contact with said opposed contacts and to .swing said arm structure on its pivot to move said switch blade away from said opposed contacts, said means including a. connecting member, link means for movably attaching said connecting member to said supporting member. mechanism for subjecting said connecting member to movement, and a pivoted elementsupported by said arm structure and connected to said connecting member and actuated by movement thereof to rotate said switch blade.

4. A switch mechanism comprising a supporting member, an arm structure pivotally connecti ed to said supporting member for swinging movement, an elongated switch blade supported by said arm structure for rotary movement about the4 axis of said switch blade, opposed contacts between which a portion of said switch blade is adapted for disposition with parts of said switch blade portion in contact with said opposed contacts, and means operable during a single continuous operation thereof to rotate said switch blade to move said parts of said switch blade portion out of contact with said opposed contacts and to swing said arm structure on its pivot to move said switch blade away from said opposed contacts, said means including a connecting member, a pair of link means for movably attaching said connecting member to said supporting member, mechanism for subjectingvsaid connecting member to movement, and a pivoted element connected to said connecting member and actuated by movement thereof to rotate said switch blade.

5. A switch mechanism comprising a. supporting member, an arm structure pivotally connected to said supporting member for swinging move ment, an elongated switch blade supported by said arm structure for rotary movement about the axis of said switch blade, opposed contacts between which a portion of said switch blade is adapted for disposition with parts of said switch blade portion in contact with said opposed contacts. and means operable during a single continuous operation thereof to rotate said switch blade to move said parts of said switch blade portion out of contact with said opposed contacts and to swing said arm structure on its pivot to move said switch blade away from said opposed contacts, said means including a connecting member, a pair of link means for movably attaching said connecting member t0 said supporting member, mechanism for subjecting said connecting membervto movement, and a pivoted element supported by said arm structure and connected to said connectingI member and actuated by movement thereof to rotate said switch blade.

6. A switch mechanism comprising a supporting member, an arm structure pivotally connected to said supporting member for swinging movement, an elongated switch blade supported by said arm structure for rotary movement about the axis of said switch blade, opposed contacts between which a portion of said switch blade is adapted for disposition with parts of said switch blade portion in contact with said opposed contacts, and means operable during a single continuous operation thereof to rotate said switch blade to move said parts of said switch blade portion out of contact` with said opposed contacts and to swing said arm structure on its pivot to move said switch blade away from said opposed contacts, said means including a connecting member, pairs of links pivotally vattached at ends thereof to said connecting member and pivotally attached at opposite ends thereof to said supporting member, mechanism for subjecting said connecting member to movement, and a pivoted element connected to said connecting member and actuated by movement thereof to rotate said switch blade.

7. A switch mechanism comprising a supporting member, an arm structure pivotally connected to said supporting member for swinging movement, an elongated switch blade supported by said arm structure for rotary movement about the axis of said switch blade, opposed contacts between which a portion of said switch blade is adapted for disposition with parts of said switch blade portion in contact with said opposed contacts, and means operable during a single continuous operation thereof to rotate said switch blade to move said parts of said switch blade portion out of contact with said opposed contacts and to swing said arm structure on its pivot to move said switch blade away from said opposed contacts, said means including a connecting member, pairs of links pivotally attached at ends thereof to said connecting member and pivotally attached at opposite ends thereof to said supporting member, mechanism for subjecting said connecting member to movement, and a pivoted element supported by said arm structure and connected to said connecting member and actuated by movement thereof to rotate said switch blade.

8. A switch mechanism comprising a supporting member, an arm structure pivotally connected to -said supporting member for swinging movement, an elongated switch blade supported by said arm structure for rotary movement about the axis of said switch blade, opposed contacts between which a portion of said switch blade is adapted for disposition with parts of said switch blade portion in contact with said opposed concontacts, said means including a connecting member, pairs of links pivotally attached at ends thereof to said connecting member at points spaced longitudinally thereof and pivotally atl0 tached at opposite ends thereof to said supporting member at spaced points thereof, mechanism for subjecting said connecting member to movement. and a pivoted element connected to said connecting member and actuated by movel5 ment thereof to rotate said switch blade.

9. A switch mechanism comprising a supporting member, an arm structure pivotally connected to said supporting member foi-"swinging moveasoano 5 between which a portion of said switch blade is adapted for disposition with parts of said switch blade portion in contact with said opposed contacts. and means operable during a single continuous operation thereof ,to rotate said switch blade to move'said parts of said switch blade p0rtion out of contact with said opposed contacts and to swing said arm structure o`n its pivot toA move said switch blade away from said opposed contacts, said means including a connecting member. pairs of links pivotally attached at ends thereof to said connecting member at points spaced longitudinally thereof and pivotally attached at opposite ends thereof to said supporting member at spaced points thereof, mechanism for subjecting said connecting member to movement, and a pivoted element supported by said larm, structure and connected to said connecting member and actuated by movement thereof to ment. an elongated switch blade supported by 20 rotate said switch blade.

said arm structurefor rotary movement about the axis of said switch blade, opposed contacts OLAV FROLAND. 

